It’s now clear that the real issue of corruption in politics is the influence of lobbyists, who have been found paying huge amounts of money to political parties. It has been suggested that these ‘donations’ have helped to influence and shape government policy. Read more here.

Malcom Rifkind has announced that he is stepping down as chair of the intelligence and security committee and as a member of parliament, a day after videos emerged showing him trying to secure employment with a made-up Chinese firm.

The 'gagging bill' threatening to make campaigning by charities harder in future election periods took a decisive step towards becoming law today, as ministers rejected hard-fought Lords amendments designed to protect freedom of speech.